Parent Champions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

We are parents who have experienced and or know about the range of services and support available through the Local Offer. We’re well-placed to tell other parents about the Local Offer and the help and support that’s out there.

The Manchester Local Offer is all the information, resources and support available to families with a disabled child / adult 0-25 yrs. It is used to identify gaps in services and to inform the commissioning and ongoing development of services.

No. We are individual parents, signposting and supporting other parents. We can / may give our own viewpoint and experience. We are completely independent of the Local Authority.

Any parent on the Participation Register. The Participation Register is held by Information, Advice and Support Manchester (IAS). It’s a database of parents who are signed up to receive regular information and are invited to events, training, consultation and the ongoing co-production of services.

As little or as much as you like. There is an initial introductory training session available to give you a good understanding of the Local Offer. All that is asked of a Parent Champion is that you ‘pass it on’ to other parents. Just making them aware of the Local Offer in the everyday conversations you have with other parents. There is more training and support for those that want it and each champion is linked to an IAS case worker who can give more specific advice when needed. Parent champions can also be supported to become involved in particular areas of interest.
 
Parent Champions are represented on the Local Offer Review Board - the feedback from parents on the ground is collated and along with other sources of parental feedback, informs the strategic decision making involving Special Educational Needs and Disability Services.

Engagement Officers in the IAS team

Telephone: 0161 234 1946

Email: sendiass@manchester.gov.uk